Hubballi, February 26, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir moved within touching distance of a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title after pacer Auqib Nabi produced a devastating opening spell to rock Karnataka, leaving the hosts struggling at 220 for 5 at stumps on Thursday.
After posting a massive 584 in their first innings and being bowled out early on Day 3, J&K’s bowlers wasted no time in asserting dominance. Nabi, 29, spearheaded the attack with a relentless first spell, returning remarkable figures of 3 for 32 in 14 overs, including nine overs on the trot, to dismantle Karnataka’s top order.
Nabi struck immediately by removing India international KL Rahul, setting the tone for what followed. He then delivered a decisive double blow, dismissing Karun Nair with a peach that angled in and jagged away to uproot the top of off stump, before trapping the in-form Smaran Ravichandran on the very next ball.
The triple strike left Karnataka reeling and firmly on the back foot in the Ranji Trophy final.
Veteran Mayank Agarwal then staged a determined resistance in the final session, crafting an unbeaten 130 off 207 balls. Showing grit and sound defensive technique, Agarwal consolidated the innings and helped Karnataka avoid a complete collapse, though he enjoyed a slice of luck when dropped on 124.
Despite Agarwal’s valiant effort, Karnataka still trail by a massive 364 runs at stumps and require another 165 runs to avoid the follow-on, keeping Jammu and Kashmir firmly in control of the contest.
Jammu and Kashmir, who made their Ranji Trophy debut in 1959–60, have scripted a fairytale campaign this season — reaching their first-ever final after a maiden semifinal appearance and now standing on the brink of history.
Nabi has been the standout performer throughout the tournament. His latest spell has taken his season tally to 58 wickets, just one short of Mayank Mishra (59), underlining his pivotal role in J&K’s remarkable run.
Brief Scores
Jammu and Kashmir: 584 all out in 173.1 overs
(Shubham Pundir 121, Yawer Hassan 88, Sahil Lotra 72, Paras Dogra 70, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 70; Prasidh Krishna 5/98)
Karnataka: 220/5 in 69 overs
(Mayank Agarwal 130*; Auqib Nabi 3/32)
With momentum, runs on the board and a lethal bowling attack, Jammu and Kashmir now stand tantalisingly close to lifting the most prestigious trophy in Indian domestic cricket.
